Energy Minister denies meeting Indian Foreign Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has denied accusations that he traveled with Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm on Sunday (3).

Responding to a question by reporters on Monday (4), the Minister said the former government had given control of the oil tank farm to the Indians, therefore, the Indian Foreign Secretary has every right to go there.

"I did not even receive an opportunity to meet with him," said the Energy Minister dismissing claims that he held meetings with the Indian Foreign Secretary.

He further said that the accords inked in 1987 and 2003 grant Indian full claim of the Trincomalee Oil Tank farm.